Sparks Fly with Mr. Mayor Read Online Free PDF Page B

the whole sports complex debacle.”
    â€œGram isn’t going to forgive me for anything until I settle down and give her a real grandchild.”
    â€œOr three.” She grinned and passed him the fork.
    â€œBrat. Do me a favor and scram.”
    â€œCan’t leave yet. I’m on a mission.” She focused her blue stare on her cousin. “I want to cater the desserts for the Harvest Dance, but Sami plans to pick up pastry items from one of the big warehouse stores. Can you put in a good word for me?”
    â€œCan’t,” Cole said. “You’re family—I can’t show favoritism, it would be a conflict of interest.”
    â€œThat’s what Sami said. It’s not fair I’m being penalized because I know the people in power.”
    â€œIt’s not fair to the community either,” Dani said as she forked up a bite of pie. “Your desserts are wonderful.”
    Mattie smirked at Cole and then beamed at Dani. “Did I tell you how much I like you? You’re too good for this big brute. Is it true you’re running for mayor against him?”
    After enjoying their playful banter, the question came as a cold slap. As levity clashed with harsh reality, panic raised its ugly head. That fast Dani felt overwhelmed by everything in her life. How could she take care of Faith and the shop and run for office, too? But what would happen to her reputation and her business if she let the ladies down? It was all too much.
    A warm hand settled over hers, bring her back to the table, back to her senses. She followed the hand up a hair-dusted forearm, past a broad chest, over a relaxed mouth and landed in understanding blue eyes.
    â€œDani doesn’t have to do anything she doesn’twant to do,” Cole declared, sounding sincere, but was it truth or hot air?
    Was he saying she could back out of the mayoral race without disappointing her new friends and clients? Or did he just want her to think she could so she’d leave the field clear for him?
    Pulling her hand free, Dani confirmed her bid for candidacy and then quickly turned the conversation away from herself.
    â€œSo, Mattie, are you pro sports center or museum and botanical garden?”
    Mattie glanced around the busy diner and shrugged. “These days I’m all about the food. But I grew up watching these guys.” She bumped shoulders with Cole. “Football, baseball, basketball, track, one of them was always playing something. Softball was my thing. So, much to Gram’s disappointment, I’m for the sports center.”
    â€œYour grandmother remembers the Anderson family. She’d like to see them honored for their generosity.”
    â€œRight, and the sports complex makes the most of those funds, which is the best way to honor Anderson.” Cole said, and then polished off his last bite of pie.
    â€œAnd around and round we go. We have a sports complex. If we need the fancy misting system and such, why haven’t we done something about it before now?”
    â€œNo money for it. The endowment makes itpossible. Plus a bigger and better complex will draw tournaments, which will bring in revenue, not only to the town coffers, but to the local merchants, too. Within a few years the town will be able to do a lot more to improve the community. Including a scaled-down museum and garden if the citizens want it.”
    He made it sound so simple, so sane.
    â€œThe museum and garden will be a source of revenue, as well, with the rooms and garden space rented out for social occasions and community events.”
    Cole shook his head. “Social occasions around here are mostly backyard barbecues. The reality is that the upkeep of the garden would probably be a strain on the economy and, in drought years like this, a drain on our water resources, as well.”
    â€œThat’s unfair.” Outraged, Dani hit the table, causing the gentleman behind Mattie to turn and check out